Book Reviews

Review | Sneak Preview | Letter from Lisa

Embarrassed Often… Ashamed Never
By Lisa B. Elliot (Jan./Feb. 03)

As a professional I feel this easy-to-read book provides insights into the everyday experiences of a family living with a child with autism spectrum disorder. Lisa invites the reader to take a glimpse into her family life by sharing poignant and humorous short stories of their experiences. Through the experiences of her son, Clark, Lisa reminds us that although living with a child with autism spectrum disorder often leads to embarrassing moments, nobody ever needs to be ashamed. This enlightening book is a must read for parents, family members and professionals who live and work with individuals who have autism spectrum disorders.

-Terri L. Cooper, MT-BC
Graduated student at the University of Kansas; Autism/Asperger Syndrome Program

Sneak preview…

Clumsy the Clown

Many children from Clark's school have been kind to him over the summer break. We have encountered them at the park and at the swimming pool. The number of kids who know him has surprised me, especially because he has not mentioned any of them at home. If I didn't know better, I would think he was the only one at his school each day. Usually, when the kids approach him, they reintroduce themselves, which is a good thing!

One day a friendly boy recruited Clark to play at the pool. It was obvious that the boy recognized him. I asked Clark if he knew who the boy was. Clark declared, "He's CLUMSY!" Hoping to help him amend this apparent insult, I replied, "We're all clumsy sometimes." Clark stopped and gave me his all-too-common hollowed-eyed stare. Then both boys continued on, splashing side by side in another pool.

Later I had the chance to ask the boy if he had been in Clark's class at school. "No," he replied. "I know him from our 4-H clowning class. I'm Clumsy and he's Blimpo." HA! The joke was on me! The kid WAS Clumsy (Clumsy the Clown, that is!).

A Letter from Lisa

Dear Reader,

It was a difficult decision for me to choose to make our family's intimate life public. But ultimately, I believe that community is more important that privacy.

Some of our experiences with our son Clark, who has Asperger Syndrome, may make you recall some of your own stories - both humorous and touching. I hope that you begin to tell those stories not only to explain about the person with autism spectrum disorder, but to celebrate him or her as well. One thing is certain. Increased understanding among our human family is always a moving story.

If you have a story that you are willing to share, we would love to hear it. You may touch someone else in a way you never expected. We help each other every time we share our common experiences and call attention to the exceptionality of those we love. It is my sincere hope that this book will open a community dialogue. I would like to compile a subsequent book of our exchanged stories to promote better understanding of those on the autism spectrum. If you would like to be part of this project, please email your story to lisa@asperger.net or mail to: Lisa Elliot, c/o Autism Asperger Publishing Company, 15490 Quivira, Overland Park, KS 66221

- Lisa B. Elliot